Visiting the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine with our family was an unforgettable adventure. Walking along the massive coquina walls, we marveled at the fortress’s star-shaped design and learned that it was built by the Spanish in the late 1600s to protect their settlement from pirates and rival nations. Our child was fascinated by the cannons aimed toward the Matanzas River, and together we imagined what life might have been like for the soldiers who lived and worked there centuries ago. The museum exhibits shared stories of colonial life, battles, and cultural exchanges, giving our family plenty to discuss and explore. By the end of the day, we left not only impressed by the fort’s architecture but also with a deeper appreciation for Florida’s rich and layered history.
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
When we visited Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park in St. Augustine, Florida, we had the chance to explore history and legend together as a family. Walking the grounds believed to be where Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León landed in 1513, we learned about the lore of the mythical Fountain of Youth—a spring once thought to grant eternal vitality. The visit gave us a chance to spend meaningful time together, discover the stories of early exploration, and reflect on how curiosity and the spirit of adventure have shaped our world. It wasn’t just a trip through history—it was a moment for us to learn and grow side by side. What parks have you visited the past few months?
Mini golf has always been one of my favorite beach trip activities — and it’s something the whole family can enjoy together. It’s also the perfect spot to try going barefoot! Most courses are clean and well-kept, with soft, comfortable greens that feel great underfoot. The vibe is relaxed, and everyone’s just there to have fun—not to worry about what anyone’s wearing. As we always say, you don’t need to be barefoot to be a Bare Soles Explorer—but if you’ve ever been curious, mini golf by the beach is the ideal chance to kick off your shoes and give it a try. Have you ever played mini golf barefoot?
When we visited Plains, Georgia, we explored the Jimmy Carter Museum and his boyhood family farm, stepping back in time to experience the humble roots of a future president. Walking through the schoolhouse, we learned how children in Jimmy Carter’s era often went barefoot in the classroom. As a Bare Sole Explorer, I too walked barefoot across those very floors, deeply connecting with the experience of the children who once studied there. On the farm, we discovered his father’s country store—a vital community hub where locals could buy necessities like canned goods, clothing, and even cured meats on credit, with Jimmy often stepping in to run the register when needed. Touring the farm and museum together allowed us to connect with the values of hard work, community, and resilience that shaped his early life. It was a meaningful family experience—one that reminded us how the past can still teach us important lessons about character and perseverance today.
"Almost all creativity involves purposeful play." Abraham Maslow We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
In the rush of daily life, we often forget the quiet power of simply stopping. Walking barefoot in nature, we slow down, breathe deeply, and allow our senses to reconnect with the earth beneath us. This kind of moving meditation—where each step is intentional and each breath is noticed—helps quiet the mind and restore balance. Scientific studies show that both meditation and grounding, or direct contact with the earth, can reduce cortisol levels, ease inflammation, and support better sleep and emotional well-being. Some research also suggests that grounding may help regulate the autonomic nervous system, which plays a key role in managing stress. And when paired with meditation, the benefits may compound—supporting clearer thinking, steadier moods, and a deeper sense of calm.
"All good things are wild and free." Henry David Thoreau We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
I stopped by Perry Lakes Park one late September afternoon, the air cooler as the season began to change. Located just east of Marion, Alabama, the park is home to four oxbow lakes formed by an old meander of the Cahaba River. I walked the boardwalk barefoot, as I hate wearing shoes and enjoy feeling the texture of the wood beneath my feet, and made my way to the birding tower. Moving without shoes was also quieter, letting me pass without startling the birds nearby. The tower, built by Auburn University’s Rural Studio using a reclaimed 100-foot fire tower, rose above the trees with about 132 steps to the top. The Rural Studio is a unique program where architecture students design and build projects in rural communities, combining creativity with practical skills. From the top, I looked out over the lakes, their still waters reflecting the first hints of fall color, and watched a great blue heron lift off from the shoreline while a red-shouldered hawk circled nearby. Do you enjoy birding too?
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Did you know that Cold Water Falls in Tuscumbia is the world’s largest man-made natural stone waterfall? When I saw it, I was amazed by how wide it is—80 feet across—with water dropping 42 feet over huge sandstone rocks. The falls use over 4 million gallons of water every day, flowing smoothly over stones, including one massive rock that weighs 77,000 pounds. As the water cascaded down, the cool mist created a refreshing feeling that made the whole experience even more memorable. Standing there, I couldn’t help but marvel at the incredible engineering and natural beauty combined in this stunning waterfall. Have you ever seen any other waterfalls or landmarks that hold unique world records like this?
Biking barefoot feels surprisingly natural and offers a unique sense of connection with the bike. Without shoes, there’s a simplicity and freedom that makes short, casual rides feel more spontaneous and fun. Smooth pedals help reduce the risk of scrapes and pressure points, making the experience more comfortable. That said, slipping is a real danger—especially if the pedals or your feet are wet—so it's important to ride cautiously, keep things dry, and avoid aggressive terrain. Incredibly, triathlete Guy Felixbrodt completed the entire Lake Placid Ironman barefoot—including the full 112-mile bike leg—proving that with training and care, even extreme barefoot biking is possible. If you're curious, give it a try in a safe environment and see how it feels. Have you ever ridden barefoot?
We come across a lot of nature parks, centers, and preserves while exploring, and this one was pretty cool. Crowley’s Ridge Nature Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas, is a 17,000-square-foot facility set on 160 acres. Inside, they have live fish, snakes, turtles, and more. There’s a quarter-mile fully accessible nature trail, plus another 3.1 miles of trails throughout the property. The little one loved seeing the snakes, but his favorite part was feeding the turtles in the large indoor naturescape. Operated by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, this center—and three others like it—are free to the public and definitely worth a visit.
Hot Springs National Park has a rich cultural past. The grand historic bathhouses are beautifully complemented by the abundant hot springs throughout the area. We explored Bathhouse Row, which features several historic buildings—including the Fordyce Bathhouse, which is free and open to the public. Stepping back in time, we meandered through its three floors, reading about the history of the hot spring water and the treatments offered in the late 1800s. The architecture is impressive, with many original furnishings still in place. It’s always fascinating to dive into history and explore the stories of those who came before us. Are there any national parks near your home?
We took a walk along the Old Railroad Bridge in Florence, Alabama, and the experience was both peaceful and awe-inspiring. This historic structure dates back to the 1850s, originally built as a double-deck bridge by the Memphis & Charleston Railroad to carry both rail and wagon traffic across the Tennessee River. It has since been restored and converted into a pedestrian walkway, offering a unique blend of history and natural beauty. As we strolled across, we could see the Wilson Dam upstream, a powerful reminder of the river’s role in shaping the region. The breeze coming off the water was refreshing, and we paused often to take in the views. Walking barefoot on the sun-warmed wooden deck felt surprisingly pleasant—smooth underfoot and just warm enough to remind us it was June without being too hot. Do you have Rails-to-Trails in your area of the country?
"The earth laughs in flowers." Ralph Waldo Emerson We encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. If you have a favorite quote about nature, drop it in the comments as well.
On a recent trip, we stopped at Mammoth Springs State Park, home to one of the world’s largest natural springs. Pumping out nine million gallons of water every hour, the spring feeds a 10-acre lake and the remnants of a hydroelectric plant before flowing into the Spring River, a well-known Ozark trout and float stream. We hiked around the park, enjoyed the natural setting, and peeked into the remaining sections of the old power station. It’s always fun to find unique stops along our road trip routes. What interesting places have you stumbled upon unexpectedly?
You never know what you'll find along the way. We came across this 12-foot-tall raven statue on a recent trip and couldn’t resist stopping for a photo. It’s the town mascot of Ravenden, Arkansas, and a unique roadside landmark along US-62. Originally built in 1991, the statue has been rebuilt twice after being destroyed by vandals. It’s now coated in fire-resistant paint to help protect it. If you're ever in the area, be sure to stop by and see this striking statue that will “nevermore” be burned to the ground. What’s the most unique statue you’ve found in your travels?
We encourage you to explore the great outdoors with your children, family and friends. Studies indicate children eight years and older spend more than 1300 hours annually in front of computers, mobile devices and televisions combined. The Bare Soles Explorers’ strives to encourage children to go outdoors, disconnect and immerse themselves in adventure. Engaging in various activities, such as playing at the park, hiking in the woods, visiting a museum, exploring a historical landmark, camping at a national park, or constructing a stick fort encourages physical, social, and behavioral well-being, and can improve a child’s academic performance. Become a Bare Soles Explorer today by unplugging from technology and exploring a destination close to home or taking an overnight road trip. Connect with our community #baresolesexplorers and share your adventures with us on social media when your exploration is done. Tag us @baresolesexplorers and we’ll repost your adventure. Build memories that will last a lifetime. Why @baresolesexplorers? Because kids love to be barefoot. We aim to empower children to embrace their adventurous nature, engage their senses, and discover creative experiences in the world around them. Furthermore, research indicates that going barefoot has health benefits for both children and adults, including stress reduction, physical strengthening, and enhanced learning abilities. While being barefoot is not a requirement to join our community, a passion for adventure and the creation of cherished family memories are all that’s needed. Will you join us? Invite your family and friends to follow us, share your adventures with #baresolesexplorers and tag @baresolesexplorers to have your adventures reposted in our social community. #baresolesexplorers #explorethegreatoutdoors #gobarefoot #activekids #naturekids #childhoodunplugged #optoutside #outdoorkids #outdoorfamilies #unplug
Cosmic Cavern in Berryville, Arkansas, is the largest privately owned show cave in the state. Discovered in 1845 by a prospector searching for lead, it opened to the public in 1927. With a constant year-round temperature of 64 degrees, the cave was comfortably cool as we toured the one-third-mile concrete pathway through its depths. We wound down staircases and along the path, passing two underground lakes—both of known depth. One of the highlights was a 9-foot-tall soda straw, the largest known in the Ozarks. The beauty of the numerous natural formations was breathtaking, and the crystal onyx found throughout the cave was truly remarkable. Of all the caves we've visited, Cosmic Cavern stands out as one of the most unique, and the guided tour was excellent. If you find yourself near Eureka Springs or Berryville, Arkansas, be sure to stop by and give it a visit!